Breaking Up with Fake “Healthy” Foods and What We’re Eating Instead
Hi there, mama friends.
If you’ve been following along on my journey here at Peak Wellness TV, you probably know I’ve been taking small, steady steps to clean up our pantry especially the foods that look healthy at first glance but… well, aren’t. And if you’re just joining me, welcome. You’re right on time. This next part of the journey has been a little eye-opening and honestly, a little frustrating.
The Moment It Got Real
The other day, I tossed a “natural” fruit snack into my son’s lunchbox without thinking twice. It had a bright label, promised fruit, and looked like an easy win. Later, I glanced at the ingredient list. Sugar. More sugar. Something called “natural flavor” (which turns out isn’t as natural as it sounds). I felt tricked and a little guilty.
If I’m still being misled by these labels, I’m guessing I’m not the only one. So today, I want to gently share a few of the so-called “healthy” foods I’ve had to rethink and the simple swaps that have actually worked for us.
1. “Made with Real Fruit!”does not equal Actually Nutritious
What I used to grab: fruit snacks, yogurt drops, cereal bars.
What I learned: Many of these are basically sugar in disguise, with just a splash of fruit concentrate (and almost none of the fiber that makes fruit fruit).
Our new go-tos: We’ve started keeping frozen mango chunks in the freezer seriously, they taste like dessert. And when I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll batch-make simple fruit leathers on Sundays. The kids think they’re treats, and I know exactly what’s in them.
2. “Plant-Based” Doesn’t Always Mean Clean
What I used to think: Plant-based meant wholesome, right?
The reality: A lot of these foods vegan cheeses, mock meats, even some protein powders are ultra-processed and full of additives, fillers, and oils I can’t pronounce.
Our swap: Lentil pasta has been a surprisingly easy switch my kids love it, and it has more protein than the regular kind. As for protein powder, we stick to a simple chocolate whey blend from LiveGood. It’s clean, creamy, and doesn’t have that weird chalky taste.
3. “Fortified with Vitamins!” Isn’t Always a Good Thing
What I used to believe: If it had extra vitamins, it had to be healthy.
The truth: Many of those “fortified” foods (like cereals, bars, even some milks) use synthetic vitamins that don’t absorb as well and sometimes, they’re just covering up for an otherwise empty product.
Our solution: We do a daily smoothie with real foods spinach, flax, banana, and a nutrient-dense protein powder. On mornings when cereal is just easier (because, let’s be real, those happen), we lean into Three Wishes cereal. The peanut butter and chocolate flavors are kid-approved and have way more protein and less sugar than the ones we used to buy.
Progress Over Perfection
I haven’t tossed out everything in our pantry. We’re still figuring things out one swap at a time. But I’ve noticed some sweet wins: fewer crashes, better sleep, and more balanced moods for all of us.
This isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about learning as we go, reading those sneaky labels, and doing the best we can with what we have.
Let’s Share
I’d love to hear from you. Have you found a “healthy” food that turned out to be not-so-great? Or a swap your family has grown to love? Leave a comment let’s trade ideas and learn from each other.
Thanks for being here, and for caring so much about what feeds your family.
Here’s to real food, real choices, and real progress.
Stay well,
Briana
Peak Wellness TV
